Dreams Take Flight brings a little touch of Hawaii

River Heights

Amber Trails

The hopes and dreams of a group of underprivileged youngsters will be sky high later this year.

Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg will take its 30th anniversary flight on Nov. 3, when around 120 children will be flown to Disneyland for what will almost certainly be the trip of a lifetime for many.

The adventure is made possible by a team of dedicated volunteers, all of whom who are retired Air Canada employees, and who are passionate about organizing the trip to the iconic theme park in Anaheim, Calif., for kids who live with physical, mental or social challenges.

Referrals come from agencies and organizations such as BGC Winnipeg and Rossbrook House, while organizers also accept individual applications, said Carol Eliasson, a board member and longtime Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg volunteer. Other longtime volunteers include Joanne Clark, Rosa Derksen and Robert Giguere, who captained the Winnipeg chapter’s first flight in 1994.

“Just to see the kids’ faces and to see them haves such a day and see how happy they are… it’s hard to contain myself and not shed a tear of joy,” said Eliasson, who lives in River Heights and was a flight attendant with Air Canada for 39 years.

Eliasson, who is a gallery interpreter at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, explained that one advantage of going to California is the day is extended by an extra two hours because of the time change, meaning the children get eight or nine hours at the park.

“At the end of the day, we take the kids shopping, which is always a big highlight. And by the end of the day, everybody is relaxed and laughing and holding hands,” she said.

Eliasson has been an integral figure in fundraising for Dreams Take Flight Winnipeg, but is now stepping down from the role.

Dreams Take Flight’s 30th anniversary gala was held at the aviation museum last November, hosted by former CBC Manitoba meteorologist John Sauder. Special guests included Brady Oliveira of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and two former Dreams Take Flight children.

On Saturday, May 9, a Hawaiian-themed fundraiser will be held at the Four Crowns Restaurant and Bar (1030 McPhillips St.)

It’s the organization’s second such party, and last year some attendees arrived in Hawaiian-themed shorts, shirts and muumuu dresses, said longtime volunteer and social committee chair Rose Anne Seymour.

“We want to get ourselves out in the community and garner support,” said Seymour, who lives in Amber Trails and worked in the finance department at Air Canada for 35 years. “We hope lots of people come to the event, have a good time and connect with others.”

Seymour said guests can expect there to be “dancing to upbeat numbers” and a menu including bread, meats, cheese, and pickles, as well as vegetable and fruit platters and dainties and coffee. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes.

Tickets are $20, and support tickets for those who can’t attend are $15. Email rseymour2@shaw.ca for tickets, or more information.

Visit ywg.dreamstakeflight.ca for more information.